Smith emerged through the anti-spending group’s website, PrimaryMyCongressman.com, which launched in February as a vehicle to find challengers to run against incumbents in safe congressional seats who the Club considers “Republicans in name only.”

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“We met with Bryan months ago after hearing about him through PrimaryMyCongressman.com, and we’re confident that he’ll be a strong conservative alternative to RINO incumbent Mike Simpson,” Club for Growth President Chris Chocola said. “The Club for Growth PAC is proud to endorse his candidacy.”

Smith is the first candidate the group tapped through its primary initiative. The website currently lists 10 GOP lawmakers as targets, including Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.), who is also the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, and Rep. Aaron Shock (R-Ill.).

The Club for Growth scorecard slaps the 62-year-old Simpson with a 58 percent rating. His district swung 64 percent in favor of Mitt Romney last year.

At the start of July, Smith had raised $147,000 for his run, according to the National Review. He announced his bid in June.